Pajero Sport, Suzuki Grand Vitara Or Ford Escape

[triffid]

I am on the brink of ordering a new car and have narrowed my choice to one of these. Advice on choosing between them would be much appreciated. My more important criteria are mechanical reliability, economy & running costs, a quiet cabin, safety features.

I hope to place my order and hand over a deposit within a week. (Anyone had any luck with discounts and/or free accessories etc with any of these models? I'm in Chiangmai.)

[MoonRiverOasis]

I see no-one's biting on this one - probably because we're all a little stumped as to how you arrived at this short-list, heh

I'm not suggesting any are a bad choice, it's just not a very conventional mix

So, with that said, I think the only real way we could be of any assistance is if you tell us what it is you like about each of these and why. Perhaps why you eliminated the CRV, Tucson, X-Trail, Captiva, Fortuner, Everest and MU-7 from the cut would help us see things more from your point-of-view too..

[katabeachbum]

I see no-one's biting on this one - probably because we're all a little stumped as to how you arrived at this short-list, heh

I'm not suggesting any are a bad choice, it's just not a very conventional mix

So, with that said, I think the only real way we could be of any assistance is if you tell us what it is you like about each of these and why. Perhaps why you eliminated the CRV, Tucson, X-Trail, Captiva, Fortuner, Everest and MU-7 from the cut would help us see things more from your point-of-view too..

OPs 3 SUVs are so different in every aspect

Pajero you get the most steel for the money, and diesel power, and good resale, and 7 seats, and I have no idea why you consider the other 2:)

[triffid]

Thanks for attempting to respond to my seemingly irrational short list. Let me unpack just a bit of the deliberation that led to this - not that those deliberations have a claim to being rational. Let me also hasten to add that I am a very untechnical ignoramus about mechanicals etc; however I will appreciate your pro s and con s if they are put in layman's language.

The Pajero was preferred over what seems the accepted alternatives, viz the MU7 and Fortuner because the pajero is newer to the market, looks better to my eye and anyway has as many knowledgeable supporters as do the other two.

I eliminated the CRV and the Captive as more expensive, supposedly less sturdy on rougher going, if more civilized and car-like in the town. I have a normal car for the latter purpose). And again my choices looked better to my eye.

I thought the Tucson was much more expensive - though I did like it at the Bkk motor show and from what I've read here and there. I didn't look too much into the Everest, having picked the Escape.

I picked the Suzuki for a rave review I read on an england review site, for being told it was built as an SUV and wasn't a recycled pickup, and for the terrific reputation of Suzuki as a japanese no nonsense, good value car maker.

As for the Escape, my girlfriend is begging me to eliminate it and I've just agreed. (As it happens I test drove it today and had quite liked it!).

I also today test drove the Pajero 3.2 litre (demo car) and quite liked it though I was disappointed by the noise - however the people there tell me the 2.5 litre is much quieter and that's the one I'd probably buy. It was not as smooth or quiet as the Escape.

There was no Grand Vitara to test drive at the sole dealer (in Chiangmai).

So it's down to the Suzuki and Pajero.

Pajero gives a year's insurance, window tints, number plates and fix an ipod connection - lots of standard accessories - plus a 5000 bht cash discount on1,097,000 for the GT

Suzuki will give no discounts, nor a year's insurance - just the number plate etc and they will fit a cable or whatever for my ipod. But it is cheaper to buy at 1,050,00

Both dealers seem to have a monopoly in Chiangmai so it's not possible to 'shop around' here.

So that's my muddled thought process for my choice. Would appreciate comment on any aspect of the above. Otherwize specifically

- pajero 4x4 bigger engine or the 4x2 smaller engine

- suzuki reputation and driving quality by comparison

- is it a big mistake to buy either of them now rather than wait a couple of months and buy the 2011 model?

- am i doing ok on the deals or being screwed?

[Shipwreck]

I have also been considering the Suzuki Grand Vitara, as it has good reviews and costs 200,000 less than a CRV.

My main concern with it is the lack of an extensive dealership network and lack of brand recognition by Thais. It might hurt resale value down the road.

I too like the looks of the Pajero, but live in Bangkok and don't want to deal with parking a large truck, so I'm considering smaller options.

Here is a review that sums up the pros and cons (even though this is a V6 3.2 and Thailand only sells the 2.0)

[triffid]

Thanks for the reply and link. We share very similar views evidently. The Suzuki's quieter and better driveablity/manoeuvrability as well as the 'made for the purpose' - and not simply adapted - was a big appeal. But the better resale prospects for the Pajero, as you say, count heavily in its favour with me too - a few years down the line I may well upgrade/change.

So what have you decided on? Or will you be taking a lot more time for that?

I have also been considering the Suzuki Grand Vitara, as it has good reviews and costs 200,000 less than a CRV.

My main concern with it is the lack of an extensive dealership network and lack of brand recognition by Thais. It might hurt resale value down the road.

I too like the looks of the Pajero, but live in Bangkok and don't want to deal with parking a large truck, so I'm considering smaller options.

Here is a review that sums up the pros and cons (even though this is a V6 3.2 and Thailand only sells the 2.0)

[MoonRiverOasis]

I haven't got much time, so will just bullet-point some things..

• The Escape and Vitara are both powered by small (2.3 and 2.0L) benzene engines, so expect running costs around 60-80% more expensive than the 2.5L Pajero Sport.
• On resale value, there's no doubt the Suzuki and Ford will depreciate faster, and keep on depreciating at a good rate for a longer period of time.
• The Ford and Suzuki will both be quieter at low speeds than the Pajero Sport (due to petrol engines), but at high speeds will be revving hard and probably noisier.
• Out of the three, Mitsubishi definitely has the largest dealer/servicing network in TH.
• Escape warranty is 5yr/100,000KM, Pajero Sport is 5yr/150,000KM, Vitara ???
• Escape and Vitara are 5 seaters, Pajero has 7-seats. Pajero can have 5 seats and a huge trunk, others are more comparable to a B segment car.
• Turning circles are actually pretty similar for all, even tough the Pajero Sport is 40cm longer (Escape 5.4M, Vitara 5.5M, Pajero 5.6M)
• You're paying much less tax on the Pajero, so all things being equal it really is more car for the money.

There's 3 Mitsu dealers in Chiangmai BTW (noticed you said there was only one), but two are the same company. The one on MaeJo road and the one on the super-highway near the Mahidol road overpass are the one's you want to play off against each other.

[katabeachbum]

I haven't got much time, so will just bullet-point some things..

• The Escape and Vitara are both powered by small (2.3 and 2.0L) benzene engines, so expect running costs around 60-80% more expensive than the 2.5L Pajero Sport.
• On resale value, there's no doubt the Suzuki and Ford will depreciate faster, and keep on depreciating at a good rate for a longer period of time.
• The Ford and Suzuki will both be quieter at low speeds than the Pajero Sport (due to petrol engines), but at high speeds will be revving hard and probably noisier.
• Out of the three, Mitsubishi definitely has the largest dealer/servicing network in TH.
• Escape warranty is 5yr/100,000KM, Pajero Sport is 5yr/150,000KM, Vitara ???
• Escape and Vitara are 5 seaters, Pajero has 7-seats. Pajero can have 5 seats and a huge trunk, others are more comparable to a B segment car.
• Turning circles are actually pretty similar for all, even tough the Pajero Sport is 40cm longer (Escape 5.4M, Vitara 5.5M, Pajero 5.6M)
• You're paying much less tax on the Pajero, so all things being equal it really is more car for the money.

There's 3 Mitsu dealers in Chiangmai BTW (noticed you said there was only one), but two are the same company. The one on MaeJo road and the one on the super-highway near the Mahidol road overpass are the one's you want to play off against each other.

seconded

in addition the suzuki dealers dont have any turnover/profit, making them vounerable

my 2003 CRV 2,0 managed 6-7km/l phuket-bkk at high speed. expensive on fuel, and annoyingly short range. simply underpowered, 150hp ok, but no tourque for a SUV.

[Shipwreck]

Thanks for the reply and link. We share very similar views evidently. The Suzuki's quieter and better driveablity/manoeuvrability as well as the 'made for the purpose' - and not simply adapted - was a big appeal. But the better resale prospects for the Pajero, as you say, count heavily in its favour with me too - a few years down the line I may well upgrade/change.

So what have you decided on? Or will you be taking a lot more time for that?

Personally, I won't be buying until early next year, but I have been doing some research. I am looking at typical sedans like Corolla and Civic, but would really rather have a small SUV, which is why I am drawn to the GV.

If you are probably going to upgrade/change within just a few years I would say go for the Pajero.

But if you don't mind the cons pointed out in MRO's list, and would be driving it for 5+ years, I'd go for the GV.

Others have noted that the cost of fuel is going to be high with the Suzuki, but that might be a minor issue. If you are not going to enjoy driving a big car, it might be worth the extra $$$ for gas and ride comfort you get with the Suzuki.

You could also pick up a used one. Here is a 2009 for 888,000. Save yourself 162k off of list price and you probably still get a warranty.

http://one2car.com/SUZUKI_GRAND%20VITARA/I17100242

[triffid]

Thanks for the reply and link.  We share very similar views evidently. The Suzuki's quieter and better driveablity/manoeuvrability as well as the 'made for the purpose'  - and not simply adapted - was a big appeal.  But the better resale prospects for the Pajero, as you say, count heavily in its favour with me too - a few years down the line I may well upgrade/change.

So what have you decided on?  Or will you be taking a lot more time for that?

Personally, I won't be buying until early next year, but I have been doing some research. I am looking at typical sedans like Corolla and Civic, but would really rather have a small SUV, which is why I am drawn to the GV.

If you are probably going to upgrade/change within just a few years I would say go for the Pajero.

But if you don't mind the cons pointed out in MRO's list, and would be driving it for 5+ years, I'd go for the GV.

Others have noted that the cost of fuel is going to be high with the Suzuki, but that might be a minor issue.  If you are not going to enjoy driving a big car, it might be worth the extra $$$ for gas and ride comfort you get with the Suzuki.

You could also pick up a used one. Here is a 2009 for 888,000. Save yourself 162k off of list price and you probably still get a warranty.

http://one2car.com/S...ITARA/I17100242

[MoonRiverOasis]

OK, have a little more time today, so will cover the (Thai) model history and next-gen

Escape:

Current generation first released in Thailand in 2002, with a minor change in 2007 (with a few nanochanges and special models along the way). Up until 2007 it was also available with a 3.0L V6 (203HP). Due for one more minor change next year before being discontinued in 2012.

Vitara:

Current gen released in 2006. Not a lot has changed since. Next gen expected in 2012.

Pajero:

Current gen released in Aug 2008, with a minor change at the end of 2009. Next change will probably be nano and appear early-mid next year. Next gen expected around 2013/2014.

OK, that pretty much rounds-out the objective info on these cars, so all that's left is your subjective opinion

Personally for me, if I didn't care about running costs or acceleration (I do though), it would be down to the Vitara and Pajero. The Escape is just too old (styling/tech/resale) for me to buy new - perhaps a good buy 2nd hand if you can find a V6 model in low-K's / good shape though.

Styling-wise, the Vitara and Pajero again for me. If you want a broader view of local tastes, park each one in front of the lobby of a 5-star hotel and see which one gets it doors opened fastest.. Use the same passenger for fairness though, hehe

At the end of the day it really just comes down to personal preferences. Drive them and see which one offers you the best compromise, look at the styling (inside too - that's what you'll see the most), asses their practicality for your normal needs, decide how different you want to be from the pack etc etc.

There's no such thing as one-car-fits-all

[PatLogan]

Hi Triffid,

If you want to know what deal you could get on the Pajero, have a look here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/394818-pajero-vs-fortuner/page__st__75

The bank guy came today for a last check, I managed to finally get a 1.4% interest rate, and the bank is TISCO bank. Will get confirmation this afternoon probably.

[triffid]

Many thanks everyone.

Please have a look at my new thread 'Captiva or Pajero'.